5 Top Celebrity Chef Restaurants In Los Angeles

If you're a fan of more-than-just-regular dining, something fine and stylish, and you happen to live in LA, there's a wide variety of exquisite restaurant options for you to consider. Some of America's most famous and talented chefs have opened restaurants in LA which are worthy of both being recommended and experienced live. Consider therefore one of the following 5 restaurants by famous chefs located in LA.

The Gorbals

Let's start off with someone young and talented – chef Ilan Hall – who won the second season of Top Chef when he was only 24. Named after the neighborhood in Glasgow where Ilan's parents grew up, the Gorbals is a tucked away but very exquisite foodie place in which Hall presents his culinary innovations which include grilled octopus or his famous bacon wrapped matzah balls. Because of his Jewish background, Hall constantly reinvents and experiments with traditional Jewish cuisine, combining it with Scottish or American dishes. And his desserts should also not be underestimated!

Matsuhisa

Based in Beverly Hills, Matsuhisa (named after its founder and owner – chef Nobu Matsuhisa) is more than just a regular sushi bar. Much like Ilan Hall who combines different cuisines, chef Matsuhisa is famous for blending traditional Japanese cuisine with South American dishes and ingredients. Though chef Matsuhisa is not necessarily always found in his LA location (he has quite a few restaurants in the US and around the world) the dishes presented there are still the chef's own inventions – such as his famous black cod in miso, squid pasta or the omakase. The restaurant was ranked 13th in the Elite Traveler World's Top Restaurants Guide 2012 while the chef received an award in 2009 from the Japan Society for his achievements in the culinary world.

Saam at The Bazaar

Chef José Andrés, often credited for introducing small plates dining to America, is the one behind the Bazaar in the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills. Hidden within the Bazaar is Saam – 'the tasting room'. Saam is the place where one can retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Bazaar and enjoy the chef's specialties. Furthermore, Saam itself, even without the food, is a pleasant experience because of its luxurious design by Philippe Starck. The concept of the cuisine is very intriguing as well – there is a set menu with a number of courses. Dishes are always different and one must trust the chef's ideas and whim. But everyone we know who has eaten there reports that it is well worth the trust. The 6 awards bestowed on the restaurant over time serve to underscore this point.

Osteria Mozza

As one website put it – one cannot ignore Mario Batali. And not only that but one also shouldn't because it would be a shame. Especially if we're speaking about the Osteria Mozza which is 'the brainchild of Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joseph Bastinach'. The Osteria Mozza has a total of two locations – one in LA and one in, well, Singapore. So you better head off to LA, unless you frequently go to Singapore, to visit this place of culinary excellence. The cuisine is traditional Italian with a modern interpretation, along with a mozzarella bar that presents chef Silverton's finest handmade cheeses. Handmade pastas, smoked meats, delicious pastries and a nice wine list are also included.

The London West Hollywood

The London West Hollywood hotel restaurant stars celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, known for his many awards for culinary achievements, his place in the Culinary Hall of Fame and his numerous television shows. The dining room of the restaurant offers a great view of the city which is complemented by the finely balanced cuisine which is haute but also casual, without being pretentious. This includes crustini, rockfish tempura or grilled spanish octopus (with parmesan dressing and marcona almonds) as well as the famous “Gordon Ramsay's roasted beef Wellington” for two. Alongside there is an extensive list of wines to be enjoyed – whilst looking out to the city from the rooftop. The LWH restaurant is both a fine dining experience for connoisseurs as well as a place for anyone wishing to relax and enjoy good food in a quiet setting, provided by a professional chef.

Are there other restaurants featuring star chefs in LA which you would recommend? Is there anything missing in this list which you think deserves a place in it? Let us know in the comments.